MS 657
Story County Women's Political Caucus
Records, 1974-1995, undated

Descriptive summary

creator:

Story County Women's Political Caucus

title:

Records

dates:

1974-1995, undated

extent:

0.42 linear feet (1 document box)

collection number:

MS 657

repository:

Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

Administrative information

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Story County Women's Political Caucus Records, MS 657, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

Abstract

The Story County Women's Political Caucus (SCWPC) was formed in 1974 as an affiliate of the Iowa Women's Political Caucus (IWPC). The non-partisan group's purpose was to mobilize the political power of women. SCWPC members promoted and participated in activities that raised public awareness of political issues, including the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive rights, education, labor and civil rights, and other gender-related concerns. This collection contains materials relating to the administration and membership of the Story County Women's Political Caucus, including correspondence, surveys, materials related to the annual May dinners, newsletters, news clippings, meeting minutes, brochures, and fliers.

Historical note

The Story County Women's Political Caucus (SCWPC) was formed in 1974 as an affiliate of the Iowa Women's Political Caucus (IWPC). The non-partisan group's stated purpose was "... to awaken, organize, and assert the vast political power represented by women, who constitute the majority of voters...To reach out to every woman across the state, to assure her of her first class citizenship and full and equal participation in the political process" (IWPC Membership Handbook, 1994).

SCWPC members promoted and participated in activities that raised public awareness of political issues, including the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive rights, education, labor and civil rights, and other gender-related concerns. The SCWPC also devoted attention to increasing the number of women in elected offices, lobbying elected officials in Iowa, endorsing candidates, and networking. Toward this end, the SCWPC hosted an annual dinner each May to raise money and to recognize four or five women in Story County, Iowa who either made significant achievements in their field or for the advancement of women in politics.

The Iowa Women's Political Caucus, of which SCWPC was an affiliate, disbanded in 1999.

Collection description

This collection (1974-1995, undated ) contains materials relating to the administration and membership of the Story County Women's Political Caucus, including correspondence, surveys, materials related to the annual May dinners, newsletters, news clippings, meeting minutes, brochures, and fliers.

Related materials

The Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library holds the following related collection:

Iowa Women's Political Caucus Collection, MS 652

The Iowa Women's Archive, University of Iowa Libraries holds the official records of the Iowa Women's Political Caucus.